Are there any resources besides the Haynes Manual - like a DVD tutorial on basic motorcycle maintenance or repair? I'm really more of a visual learner, small pictures and text just don't cut it.

I'm tellin' ya you wrenchers could make a killing doing that - heck I say you pros video some of your wrenching talent and get it up on youtube for all of us to learn from - we could get a Pay Pal thing going for contributions.

Heck I'd gladly pay $25+ to watch a professionally produced instructional DVD!

I would so use that - especially with the prospect of installing my bars and nap end mirrors solo this weekend!

Videos I'd like to see:

Basic Maintenance

Oil Changes

Basic Mods (Bars - Mirrors - Seats)

Power Accessories (Heat Grips - Aux Electronic Devices)

Bobbing Fenders - Body Work

all hosted by BonnieLass of course!


You get the idea - come on forum, let's inspire these grease monkeys to share the knowledge!

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Drew,
Man I really don't think you are giving yourself any credit at all. When you start on these things, you will see how easy they really are. Dont be so intimidated by these tacks. Once you do one, you will find yourself eager to do another just from the sense of accomplishment! Truste me, one of the best way to learn is just by doing it. The book is there for a backup and if you need specs, but even a video would require you to have to try out thing on your own. Dont be afraid you are going to break something... worst case deal... you do and you know how not to next time. All the things you asked about will not cripple your bike if it is broke, and easily fix too. Drink two (not one and not three) beers to loosen up, and get at it!
Mondo

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Winter is stupid!!!

Just about my whole job is working on things figuring it out by the seat of my pants. Many of the things I work on are worth over a million dollars. Would I rather have instructions? Absolutely. Would I rather have a video? Yes, more than written instructions with pics.

Come on, why leave guess work. I've done many things to my bike with the manual and many things not in it, due to accessories.

I think a person in the know could make a lot of money making DVDs for the bonnie. There is a big market, including me.

Look at Harley, BMW, etc, they have videos. You mean to tell me they don't have manuals too? Again, there's a market and for good reason.

Originally Posted by ATGATT

Just about my whole job is working on things figuring it out by the seat of my pants. Many of the things I work on are worth over a million dollars. Would I rather have instructions? Absolutely. Would I rather have a video? Yes, more than written instructions with pics. Come on, why leave guess work. I've done many things to my bike with the manual and many things not in it, due to accessories. I think a person in the know could make a lot of money making DVDs for the bonnie. There is a big market, including me. Look at Harley, BMW, etc, they have videos. You mean to tell me they don't have manuals too? Again, there's a market and for good reason.

ATGATT,
Dude I am not saying it is a bad idea, not at all. I am merely saying that the things he listed are not hard, and there is really not hard guess work. I was trying to say that he would be fine, and should not limit himself...

Originally Posted by DrewDesign007

Videos I'd like to see: Basic Maintenance : Oil Changes : You drain the oil, then replace oil filter... (hand tighten or use book to find torque spec) Basic Mods (Bars - Mirrors - Seats): Remeber how you take off the bars, seats, mirrors. To install new ones, go in reverse. There are many tricks for speedy hassle free steps, but reality is... it really is that simple. Power Accessories (Heat Grips - Aux Electronic Devices): Heated grips, well that is a custom job... hence yes it is on the fly... but still not hard if you have a diagram of which wires you can splice into. Bobbing Fenders - Body Work: Again, custom but there is more then enough info on this... and even a video on YouTube all hosted by BonnieLass of course!

Not trying to sound like I have all the answers at all... hardly. But when modding and most of all doing things like custom or universal parts... everyone will make their own adjustment anyways... that is what makes things customs. Everyone will need help at one point or another, but you should try to learn the stuff that you want to do before starting. It will help with the guess work. For example, I know nothing about valves... when it is time to adjust mine, I will find as much info on how they work, look like, breaking points, and any other info that i can find of relevance. From there, I will be able to learn and make educated guess work as I go through it. But I will have all the tech data in front of me to aid with stuff that you will not know.

If somebody does put videos together, I would hope it is on more difficult jobs, like engine rebuilds. But that is just my 0.02 cents anyhows... more power to them.

For me, learning how to do things, as I am doing it is ALL the fun. If I knew everything about my bike (which will most likely never happen), I think I would just add another bike to the garage to learn more stuff and start the whole process over.
Mondo

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Winter is stupid!!!

Engine rebuild? Dude I thought the ignition button was the horn for like a whole day - I need all the help I can get.

The "Do It Yourself" Market, is screaming for something like this - even for automobiles!

Just think about it, you are brave enough to handle something like a radiator and thermostat swap on your car, you go to the local auto parts chain and wala - you rent the tools and the VIDEO for your make and model - step by step VISUAL instructions slow motion DVD extras like schematics - now apply that to popular motorcycles and you have a mother fricken cash cow - come on, with the way people are desperately trying to save money on transportation these days this is a no brainer.

If it's a billion dollar industry for Home Improvement - think about what it could do in the transportation world.

Hell, I do video post - I just need to find a kick tail bike mechanic...

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Here's an example of probably what you're talking about. Only this has to do with MGs. I think if you actually saw a video of how it's done you would less intimidated or on the other hand you could decide that is a little more involved than you had planned on and let a shop do it.

http://www.youtube.com/profile_video...torsltd&page=1

Yes, exactly motoV8!

That's what WE need for all ranges of experience with the Triumph bikes!

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NewOldSkook,

I hear ya and understand what you're saying. Here's my list:

-A complete trouble-shooting guide.
-Valve adjustments (a Triumph tech said he has seen many messed up and the cost to repair was big)
-Engine rebuild so we understand it all
-Clutch replacement

Never did my clutch plates, valve adjustments or engine rebuild. I know I can just from the manual, but I like the confidence of watching the whole thing done. I'd easily pay $70 for such a DVD.

Christ, I thought MOST Bonnie riders were educatad!

The written word is the the best way to follow. DVD or Video, rewind to play again. Do You have a TV setup in your garage?

"The pen is mightier than the sword". Did you finish your English grades at school?

Come on - live in this world.

Ernie.

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Brits rule OK.

Don't Brit Iron Rebels have some videos for the Bonnie?

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Marty
2005 Bonneville Blue 790cc, AI removed, Staintunes, Unifilter, no snorkel, 120/40/Thrux needle/1 shim/3 turns, fly screen, tacho, D9 gauge panel, center stand, Ikon 7610s, Hagon fork springs, gaiters, Pirelli Sport Demons, sissy bar, 3 seats.